Despite the prospect of a lengthy political crisis over who wields power, thousands of Hariri supporters greeted the news with joy.

One demonstrator said: “Hariri brings unity to people, he brings unity to people, Christians and Muslims. He is a good person and he will make Lebanon better.”

“We want Saad. We don’t want Saad to leave, because we love him. He’s our Sunni leader. If he goes, Lebanon will go to ruin. We want only Saad,” explained another supporter.

Hariri gave no details about his next steps, leaving the country to ponder on whether he truly intends to remain as prime minister until the next election, or if he’ll seek a deal with Saudi Arabia and Iran; the two powerful states vying for greater influence over Lebanon.